Cave Spring Cellars 'Estate' Chardonnay 2005
VQA Beamsville Bench $19.95 (256552) Vintages Essential
Low yields from older vines (25+ years) and the magic of wine maker Angelo Pavan coalesce to produce this compact and racy gem. The aromas and flavours are a mélange of melon, citrus and peach. Malolactic fermentation was suppressed, instead 10 months on the lees provide a lovely texture without being flabby. With good mouth feel and moderating verve, the finish develops into a mouth watering experience of citrussy tanginess. Pair it with seared scallops or a grilled fresh water fish, like trout. (VH)


Cave Spring Cellars 'Estate' Riesling 2006
VQA Beamsville Bench $18.15 (286377) Vintages Essential
The 20 year old vines that produced this fruity off dry gem also provide a bracing spine of acidity to deftly balance it. A nose of citrussy mineral aromas segue to a luscious mouthful of flavours—honeycomb, white grapefruit and a hint of anise. The racy finish is laser-like and extremely refreshing. A perfect aperitif wine, it's also perfectly paired with a piquant Thai dish like spicy fish cakes. (VH)


Cave Spring Cellars 'Indian Summer' Riesling 2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 375 mL (415901) Vintages Essential
After a one year hiatus, this stunning dessert wine is back on the shelves. The partially frozen grapes were hand picked over 6 weeks at an average of 30.4 Brix (the sugar level of the unfermented grape), which is just below that of ice wine. Look for a huge mouthful of honeyed mango, candied orange, lemon peel, and spiced apple pie that's balanced with good acidity that keeps it far from cloying. Good to go now with a fruit compote dessert, you can also safely cellar this for 7 or 8 years. (VH)


Santa Digna Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Central Valley $15.15 (177451) Vintages Essential
The 2004 vintage of this wine scored 4½ stars in our 500 Best-Value Wines in the LCBO, and the 2005 maintains the quality and value. It's a big, fruit-forward, well-structured Cabernet with flavours of black fruit and berries and notes of black pepper and mint. There's a little warmth from the 14% alcohol, but it's well-balanced and an obvious choice for red meat and game. (RP)